Model history and safety features

The tested model of Fiat 500 was introduced in Australia during 2008. It is due is New Zealand later in 2008 Dual front airbags, side airbags and head-protecting side curtains are standard equipment. Antilock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) are also standard. Electronic stability control (ESC) is not available on the 1.2 Pop but is standard other other variants. Intelligent seat belt reminders are fitted to both front seats. The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable. These features improve the fit of the seat belt. Pretensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash

Safety Features

These specifications are subject to change. Please check with manufacturer for the latest specifications.

Full ANCAP report

Fiat 500 safety ratings

Jul 2007 - Current (front, side & head airbags)

About this test

Important note: The left-hand-drive European model was tested by Euro NCAP. Australasian specifications may vary and therefore models sold in Australasia might provide different levels of protection to those described on this page.

About the test vehicles

Variant:

Pop 3 dr hatch with ESC

Engine:

1.2 litre

Kerb weight:

930 kg

Category:

Light Car

Vehicles built:

2007

Airbags:

Frontal, Side & Head Airbags

ANCAP safety

Good score: 34.91 out of 37

5 stars. The Fiat 500 scored 15.11 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment held its shape well. There was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for both the driver and passenger. The vehicle scored 15.80 out of 16 in the side impact crash test. There was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver. A further two points in the optional pole test. This ANCAP 5 star rating only applies to models fitted with ESC.

Frontal offset crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 4 pts, chest 3.82 pts, upper legs 4 pts, lower legs 3.29 pts. The passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash test. The clutch pedal moved rearwards by 30 mm and downwards 5mm. The steering wheel hub moved 3mm forward, 17 mm upward and 1 mm sideways. The front ("A") pillar moved 7 mm rearwards. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash all doors could be opened with normal effort. The airbag cushioned the head of the driver and contact was stable. There were no knee hazards. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag.

Side impact crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head 4 pts, chest 3.8 pts, abdomen 4 pts, pelvis 4 pts. The vehicle was eligible for an optional pole impact test, since it had head-protecting side airbags and scored four points for the head in the side impact test. The manufacturer decided to go ahead with the pole test and the vehicle earned a further two points.